University of Mississippi student Hunter Nelson, 21, was
released by the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department on
Saturday, July 17th, after new evidence surfaced that removed
suspicions concerning his alleged involvement in the murder of
Kristi Waterson. Nelson was arrested on June 29th, 2004 and had been
held since that time.

At press time, the Yoknapatawpha County
Sheriff's Department would not comment on the evidence that led to
Nelson's release. However, the department's Public Information
Officer Elizabeth Jones said "Hunter Nelson has been released. We
appreciate his cooperation in our investigation and we stand
resolved to do everything necessary to bring the killer to justice."
Jones would not comment on allegations that Nelson has filed a
lawsuit accusing the Sheriff's Department of botching the
investigation and holding him without just cause.

On May 23, 2004, University of Mississippi
business professor Kristi Waterson was found dead at her apartment
in Oxford. After Waterson's death was announced, rumor and innuendo
swirled on campus as students and teachers alike discussed alleged
improper relationships Waterson maintained with her students. The
victim's parents, Michael and Virginia Waterson of Biloxi, have
offered a $75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of the murderer.